A interação e apropriação tecnológica de pessoas com deficiência através de ferramenta multimídia acessível

Abstract

Against a broad context of increased technological development, profuse forms of information dissemination and access by means of multimedia resources and multiple languages, it can be observed that people with special needs are still excluded from processes of digital data production and reception. Considering the potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to provide an alternative of transposing social limitations, this study introduces a tool labeled Oficina Multimídia, which aims at promoting the social interaction and manifestation of ideas by such individuals in processes of authorship and team work involving aural, imagetic and verbal signs. A qualitative investigation was conducted among participants with distinct needs (visually impaired individuals, physically handicapped and individuals with Down syndrome) to evaluate the extent to which the software implementation, following recommendations regarding the accessibility and availability of multimedia resources for PSNs, facilitates processes of technological appropriation and interaction among the research participants. Tests carried out with the software users validated part of the strategies adopted and pointed out to the need of considering improvements for future projects involving similar multimedia access tools. Complementarily, tests were conducted to evaluate the compatibility of Oficina Multimídia with a tablet prototype and its available assistive technologies. The potential of infoinclusive environments to extend the socio-digital participation of individuals with disabilities can be observed in the assignments produced by the group of participants validating the project.